Window construction



March 17, 1959 File d Se t. 50, 1955 Fig.1;

MICHAEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR P/FK/N ATTORNE-Y March 17, 1959 M. RlFKlN 2,877,513

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 30, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 [Ki 525' M- II l I INVENTOR M/cwna P/F'K/N ATTORN EY March 17, 1959 M. RIFKIN 2,877,513

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. :50. 1955 TJE EL 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY t d St t This invention relates generally to improvements in window construction and, more partcuilarly, to improvements in window construction having sashes mounted for vertical reciprocation in a Window frame and being adapted to be removed therefrom.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application serial number 520,966 filed on July 11, 1955 for Window Construction, now abandoned.

In my Patent Number 2,694,237 for Window Construction, issued on November 16, 1954, there is disclosed a window construction in which each of the sash members is mounted for vertical reciprocation between a companion pair of runners, one of which is fixed with the opposite one being laterally movable toward its associated jamb member against the bias of spring means disposed between said jamb member and the movable runner. In this arrangement the movement of the movable runner towards its associated jamb member where auxiliary holding means are not utilized, caused for example through inadvertance or accident, or by a frolicking child may be effective to release a sash for downward movement when the latter is in a raised position, and it is accordingly an important object of the present invention to provide an improved Window construction which obviates this disadvantage of the above noted construction.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a Window construction having an improved arrangement providing for the slidable movement of the window sashes with a minimum of effort and for retaining said sashes in their vertically adjusted positions, said arrangement including a series of vertically spaced latched positions for positively releasably latching the sashes in corresponding positions.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an improved latch arrangement for a window construction of the above character for releasably retaining the sashes in their vertically adjusted positions and for positively releasably latching the sashes at vertically spaced positions whereby the application of pressureon the lower ends of the movable runners will be ineffective to release their associated raised sashes for downward movement beyond the next latched position, said latch arrangement including a selectively movable provision for facilitating the removal of the sashes from the window frame.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a generally improved window construction which is of simple design, easy to install and service, economical to mass produce, which allows for a greater degree of free vertical sash movement, and which is eminently suitable in the accomplishment of its intended purposes.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a window construction formed according to the present invention;

atent O 2,877,513 Patented Mar. 17, 1959 'Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of removing a sash from the window frame;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper ends of the movable runners in association with the upper fixed parting strip;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the fixed runner formed according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View showing a sash stile and its associated latch device;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a sash stile in the region of the latch device;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the latch'device formed according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating another form of latching member and its companion spring;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to the right hand part of Fig. 1 illustrating a modified form of window construction which is constructed without the use of a fixed runner;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the jamb shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 illustrating a modified form of jamb;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 illustrating another modified form of jamb;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of another modified form of jamb having a fixed runner associated therewith;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary front view of yet another modifiedform of jamb, and

Fig. 15 is a horizontal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the latching member tracks shown in Fig. 14.

Referring to the drawings in detail, there is shown a window construction 10 of the general type disclosed in my above referred to patent, said window construction at one side thereof comprising laterally spaced casings 12 and 14, a blind stop 16, a filler strip 18, a stop 19, and a window frame jamb 20, the latter being secured between stop 16 and casing 14. The opposite side of the window construction is generally similarly constituted and comprises laterally spaced casings 12' and 14, a blind stop 16', a stop 19, and a window frame jamb 20 which is disposed between said stop 16' and casing 14. Secured to the jamb 20' is a vertically extending dual fixed runner 22 which is provided with a projecting channel part 24, the latter defining a spacer strip for guiding the vertical sliding movement or reciprocation of assoicated sash stiles 26 and 28 of window sashes 30 and 32, re spectively. The runner 22 is secured to the jamb 20'in any suitable manner, for example by means of suitable fastener elements which extend through apertures provided in part 24. The runner 22 defines tracks 36 and 38 for the stiles 26 and 28, respectively. Disposed adjacent the jamb 20 and laterally movable relative thereto in the manner to be described in detail hereinafter, are a structurally similar pair of independently movable runners 40 and 42 which define tracks 44 and 46 for the vertical sliding movement of their associated sash stiles 48 and 50, respectively. Thus the companion pair of tracks 36 and 44 guide the window sash 30 for vertical sliding movement and similarly the companion pair of tracks 38 and 46 guide the window sash 32 for such movement.

The runners 40 and 42 have flanges 68 and 70, respectively, which are adapted for slidable movement during the movement of said runners, and each of the inner end portions 72 and 74 of the flanges 68 and 70, respectively, is adapted to be received in the vertical slot 76 provided in the jamb 20 on the depression of its associated runner as shown in Fig. 2. The runners 40 and 42-have laterally projecting parts 78 and 80, respectively, which collectively define a vertically extending spacer strip.

It will be understood that the movable runners 40 and 42 may be laterally movably secured to the jamb 20 in any suitable manner. In order to urge the movable runners away from jamb 20, there is provided a series of springs 82 interposed between said jamb and said movable runners, said springs being of the construction, and supported in position scribed in my above referred to patent or in my copending application Serial Number 477,524, filed December 24, 1954, now abandoned. The parting strip 83 (Fig. 3) corresponds in all respects to the parting strip which is fixed to thejamb head of the window frame of my above referred to copending application.

' Pursuant'to the present invention each of the sash stiles 26 and 28 is recessed or mortised as indicated at 84 ing a generally U-shaped bracket 88 having laterally spaced walls 90 and 92 interconnected by a transverse wall 94, said wall 92 defining a face plate which is flush 'with the surface of the outer side 96 of its companion stile. The face plate 92 is secured to its companion stile by means of the screws 98 which extend through complementary apertures 100 provided in said face plate. The walls 90 and 92 have aligned apertures 102 and 104 respectively, extending therethrough, the latter aperture being elongated in a substantially horizontal plane for a purpose which will be evident from the description which follows. The latching member 106 is mounted to the bracket 88 for pivotal bodily movement and for axial reciprocation, said latching member having a reduced diameter shaft portion 108 loosely extending through the aperture 102 (Fig It will be observed that the stiles 26 and 28 are provided with a closed bottom aperture as indicated at 112 for the extension therein of the portion 108 for a purpose to be described in detail hereinafter. The latching member 106 has an end portion 114 which extends through the elongated aperture 104 and normally projects beyond the surface of the side 96 of its companion stile, said end portion having a sleeve 116, formed of rubber or any other suitable material, secured thereon for silencing the action of said end portion on the movement thereof in association with companion structure to be described hereinafter.

In order to resiliently urge the latching member 106 away from the wall 94, in ahorizontalplane, for a purpose which will be apparent from the description which follows, there is provided a generally U-shaped spring 118 having one end portion 120 secured to said wall in any suitable manner, for example by means of the rivets 122, the opposite end portion 124 being V shaped for interengagement in companion grooves 126 and 126 provided on said latching member. In the normal projected position of the latching member as shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 7 the portion 124 is interengaged in groove 126 for releasably retaining said latching member in said position, said latching member being axially retractible to a substantially flush condition with the face place 92 as shown in Fig. 2 by the manipulation of the finger piece or element 128 and said portion 124 interengages in groove 126 in said retracted position of the latching member. Thus the spring portion 124 readily disengages from one companion groove and engages in the other companion groove on the reciprocation of the latching member in the manner described above. The latching member 106 may be pivotally bodily moved toward the Wall 94 for the purpose to be hereafter noted, against the action of the spring 118, by means of the finger piece 128 which is manually depressible, the latter being threadedly engaged to said latching member and extending through the elongated opening 130 provided in the sash stiles 26 and 28., It will be observed that the portion 108 extends through aperture 102 of wall 90 with sufficient clearance -.top rovide forjsuch pivotal movement.

in the manner illustrated and defor the reception of a latch device 86, the latter compris- With reference ot Figs. 4 and 5, the fixed runner 22 has defined therein structurally similar tracks 132 and 134 which extend longitudinally of said runner and which are adapted for cooperative association with companion latching members 106 carried by the sash stiles 26 and 28, respectively. The portion 114 of the latching member 106 is adapted to ride along its companion track 132 or 134, the latter having oppositely disposed track edges 136 and 138 interconnected by the base wall 140 of the track. Each of the tracks has a plurality of vertically spaced shoulder portions or ledges 142 adapted for releasable intcrengagement with a companion portion 114 for relcasably positively latching its companion sash at corresponding positions or levels. Each of the track edges 138 is provided with inclined or cam edges 144 extending upwardly from the shoulder portions 142 to provide for sash movement in an upward direction past said shoulder portions without manually releasing the latching member. it will be understood that the tracks 132 and 134 extend for a length corresponding to the range of vertical movement of their companion sashes. in the illustrated embodiment a latch device 86 is provided in the stile 26 in the lower end region thereof while the latch device of the stile 28 is disposed in the upper end region thereof, it being understood that it is Within the scope of the present invention to position such latch devices at any desired level on the sash stiles with the tracks 132 and 134 being correspondingly positioned for cooperative association with their companion latch devices.

The fixed runner 22 may be preformed to the shape best shown in Figs. 4 and 5 in any conventional manner, for example by means of a stamping operation. The spring 118 biases the portion 114 of the latching member 106 into engagement with the track edge 138 for concomitantly applying pressure to retain the companion sash in its vertically adjusted position between the fixed and movable runners in conjunction with the springs 82 described above. Thus the cumulative effect of the biasing of the movable runner and the latching member is to releasably retain the companion sash in its vertically adjusted position, it being noted that such biasing pressure is of a magnitude to provide for the manual sliding movement of the sash with case. While the sash may he slidably moved in an upward direction past the shoulder portions 142 without manually releasing the latching member 106, the movement of the sash in a downward direction past said shoulder portions requires the manual release of said latching member, and this release may be facilely effected by manually depressing the element 128 to pivotally move said latching member out of engagement with said shoulder portions. Thus the lateral movement of the movable runners toward jamb 20 will be in effective to release their associated sashes for downward movement past the next lower latched position corresponding to the next lower shoulder portion 142 thus introducing a substantial safety factor to the above arrangernent.

The latching member 106', shown in Fig. 8, is similar to the latching member 106 previously described except that latching member 106' is provided with a single groove 126" for interengagement with the end portion 124 of the spring 118', said end portion having vertical and inclined portions and 152, respectively which are interconnected by a transverse portion 154 and said groove being formed complementary to said end portion. In the normal projected position of the latching member 106 the end portion 124 interengages in the groove 126" for releasably retaining said latching member in said position, said latching member being retractible in the manner described above and being retained in its retracted position by the tension of end portion 124' of spring 118 against an adjacent surface portion of said latching memher.

For the removal of a sash from the window frame the element 128 of its companion latching member 106,0r

106' is manipulated laterally away from the fixed runner '22 to reciprocate said latching member to its retracted position described above and in this position the sash may be readily bodily removed from the window frame by the movement thereof towards the jamb 20, as shown in Fig. 2, until the stiles 26 or 28 are cleared for movement outwardly of the frame, said sash movement being efiective to concomitantly move its associated movable runner toward said jamb against the action of the springs 82 associated therewith.

If desired, the fixed runner 22 may be formed in the manner of the fixed runner of my above referred to copending application in which the tracks are formed without a base wall corresponding to the wall 140 of the illustrated embodiment, and where a fixed runner of this general character is utilized in closely adjacent disposition to the jamb 20, the latter may be slotted or recessed for registry with such tracks for the extension therein of the end portions 114 of the latching members. (See Fig. 13.)

With reference to Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown a modified form of window construction 10' which is similar to the window construction 10 described above except that construction 10' dispenses with the use of a fixed runner corresponding to the runner 22 and is provided with a jamb 160 having defined therein structurally similar tracks 132 and 134 which correspond to the tracks 132 and 134 previously described. The jamb 160 may be formed of any suitable material, for example and without limitation wood, plastic, or the like, and suitably secured to said jamb is a spacer strip 162 for guiding the vertical sliding movement of the window sashes 30' and 32'.

The tracks 132' and 134' extend longitudinally of the jamb 160 and are adapted for cooperative association with companion latching members 106 carried by the sash stiles 26' and 28, respectively in the manner described above in detail. The portion 114' of the latching memher 106' is adapted to ride along its companion track 132' or 134', the latter having oppositely disposed track edges 136' and 138' and a base wall 140. Each track has a plurality of vertically spaced shoulder portions 142 adapted for releasable interengagement with a companion portion 114 for releasably positively latching its companion sash at corresponding levels. The portions 142' are of arcuate configuration to conform to or approximate the curvature of the portions 114. Each of the track edges 138' is provided with cam edges 144' extending upwardly from the shoulder portions 142 to provide for sash movement in an upward direction past said shoulder portions without releasing the latching member. In all other respects the window construction 10' is similar to construction 10 and functions in a corresponding manner.

With reference to Fig. 11, there is shown a jamb 160' which is identical with jamb 160 of window construction 10' except in the respects now to be specifically noted. The tracks 164 and 166 correspond in all respects to the tracks 132 and 134' except that the former tracks are provided with a coextensive or substantially coextensive liner or insert 168 which may be of any suitable construction and formed of any suitable material, for example a suitable metallic material having the requisite characteristics, said liner being secured in said tracks in any suitable manner. It will be apparent that the liners 168 define bearing surfaces which are adapted for coperative association with the portions 114'.

In the embodiment of Fig. 12, the jamb 160" is identical with jamb 160 except that tracks 132 and 134' are provided with liner or insert elements 170 of suitable construction and material on the shoulder portions 142, said elements extending a short distance along the cam edges 144. The elements 170 are preferably of metallic construction and each of said elements are secured in position in any suitable manner, for example by means "6 of the laterally projecting apertured tab secured to the base wall by screw 174, said elements constituting bearing surfaces for the portions 114' in the latched condition thereof. It will be understood that the tabs 172 are disposed to clear the portions 114' on the movement thereof along the tracks.

Accordingly, if desired, as when the jamb is formed of soft wood or other material, said jamb may be provided with a liner of the character shown in Fig. 11 or with liner elements of the character shown in Fig. 12. From the above it will be apparent that the embodiments of Figs. 9-l2 possess the inherent economies accompanying the dispensation of the use of a fixed runner of the character of runner 22.

With reference to Fig. 13, there is shown a jamb 176 having a dual fixed runner 178 secured thereto by the fastener elements 180, said runner being of any suitable construction and material, for example a one-piece metal stamping. The runner 178 has a projecting channel part 182 which defines a spacer strip for guiding the vertical sliding movement of associated sash stiles. The runner 178 defines tracks 184 and 186 for associated sash stiles in the manner described above in detail with reference to embodiment 10, said runner having defined therein structurally similar tracks 188 and 190 which are adapted for cooperative association with companion latching members 106. The tracks 188 and 190 have oppositely disposed track edges 192 and 194 and vertically spaced shoulder portions 196, said track edges and said shoulder portions being adapted for cooperative association with a companion portion 114 in the manner described above in detail with reference to window construction 10. The jamb 176 is provided with clearance grooves 198, in registry with the tracks 188 and 190 and extending at least for the length thereof, said grooves being adapted to re ceive with clearance the portions 114 projecting through said tracks. Thus the embodiment of Fig. 13 is similar to window construction 10 except that the former is provided with edges 192 and 194 which are of the thickness of the material of the runner 178 and is not provided with track walls corresponding to the base walls 140 of construction 10, said former embodiment additionally being provided with a jamb having grooves 198 for the extension therein of the end portions 114 of the latching members.

With reference to Figs. 14 and 15, there is shown a jamb 200 which is similar to the jamb 160 of window construction 10' except in the respects now to be described, said jamb 200 having a spacer strip 202 suitably secured The tracks 204 extend longitudinally of the jamb 200 and correspond to the tracks 132' and 134' of embodiment 10', said tracks 204 being adapted to cooperate with companion latching members 106' in the manner described above in detail. The tracks 204 are defined by 172 which is longitudinally extending grooves 208 formed in the jam-b 200, said grooves having a parts 210 secured therein elements 212 which extend series of vertically spaced latch by means of suitable fastener through complementary apertures formed in said parts and into said jamb. The latch parts 210 may he formed of any suitable material, for example a suitable metallic or plastic material, and the Each latch part 210 is provided with an upper shoulder defining surface 222, which corresponds to the shoulder portions 142 and 142 previously described, and a cam surface 224 which smoothly merges with an edge 226 of a companion groove 208. Thus the surfaces 222 of the parts 210 are adapted for releasable interengagement with a companion portion 114' in the manner previously described in detail and the cam surfaces 224 provide for sash movement in an upward direction past said surfaces 222 without releasing the latching member. The grooves 208 may have any desired number of latch parts 210 secured therein and said latch parts may be vertically '7 spaced as desired for latching a companion sash at corresponding levels.

The body portion of the latching member 106, between the portions 108 and 114 thereof, of latch device 86 may be of circular cross section as shown in the illustrated embodiment or of any other desired cross section, for example quadrilateral cross section as where it is desired to increase the bearing surface of the grooves 126, 126', and 126 for their companion spring portions.

While in the illustrated embodiments a pair of sashes are shown installed in a window frame, it will be apparent that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a window construction of the aforedescribed character utilizing any desired number of sashes.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention it will be manifest .to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular form herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thusdescribed my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a vertically reciprocable sash disposed between said jamb members, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile having a latching device secured thereto, means defining a longitudinally extending track adjacent said stile provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said latching device comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane. said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said track having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for the raising of said sash in the latched condition thereof, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane in a shoulder portion engaging direction, said latching member being manually depressible in said plane against the action of said spring device for releasing said end portion from engagement with said shoulder portions so that said sash may be lowered.

2. in a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a vertically reciprocable sash disposed between said jamb members, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile having a latching device secured thereto, means defining a longitudinally extending track adjacent said stile provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said latching device comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said track having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for the raising of said sash in the latched condition thereof, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane in a shoulder portion engaging direction, said latching member being manually depressible in said plane against the action of said spring device for releasing said end portion from engagement with said shoulder portions so that said sash may be lowered, said track being defined in one of said jamb members adjacent said stile.

3. In a window construction provided with a laterally gaging direction,

spaced pair of jamb members, a vertically extending runner disposed adjacent one of said jamb members and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically reciprocable sash disposed between said runner and the other jamb member, means for guiding the vertical reciprocation of said sash at the side thereof adjacent said other jamb member, means interposed between said one jamb member and said movable runner for normally urging the latter away from said one jamb member, said guide means having a longitudinally extending track provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said sash having a stile adjacent said other jamb member provided with a latching device, the latter comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane and for axial movement, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding tothe levels of said shoulder portions, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latchng member in said plane in a shoulder portion engaging direction, said sash being bodily removable on the movement thereof towards said one jamb member to concomitantly move said runner towards said one jamb member against the action of said interposed means, said latching member being axially movable for the retraction of said end portion inwardly of said stile for the bodily removal of said sash.

4. In a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a vertically extending runner disposed adjacent one of said jamb members and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically reciprocable sash disposed between said runner and the other jamb member, means for guiding the vertical reciprocation of said sash at the side thereof adjacent said other jamb member, means interposed between said one jamb member and said movable runner for normally urging the latter away from said one jamb member, said guide means having a longitudinally extending track provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said sash having a stile adjacent said other jamb member provided with a latching device, the latter comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane and for axial movement, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latchng member in said plane in a shoulder portion ensaid sash being bodily removable on the movement thereof towards said one jamb member to concomitantly move said runner towards said one jamb member against the action of said interposed means, said latching member being axially movable for the retraction of said end portion inwardly of said stile for the bodily removal of said sash, said guide means comprising portions of said other jamb member and said track being defined therein.

5. in a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a runner extending vertically of the frame and disposed in fixed relation with one of said jamb members, a companion runner extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a sash positioned between said runners for vertical movement therealong, means interposed between said otherjamb member and said movable runner for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member,

said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said sash having a stile adjacent said fixed runner provided with a latching device, the latter comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane and for axialmovement, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane in a shoulder portion engaging direction, said sash being bodily removable on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated runner towards said other jamb member against the action of said interposed means, said latching member being axially movable for the retraction of said end portion inwardly of said stile for the bodily removal of said sash, said one jamb member having a longitudinally extending groove in registry with said track, said latching member end portion laterally extending beyond said track into said one jamb member groove.

6. In a window construction having a window frame provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a dual fixed runner extending vertically of the frame and secured to one of said jamb members, a pair of independently movable companion runners extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically disposed sash operatively associated with each companion pair of fixed and movable runners and disposed therebetween, said sash being mounted for vertical reciprocation, and spring means interposed between said other jamb member and each of said movable runners for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member, said sash being bodily removable from the frame on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated movable runner towards said other jamb member against the action of said spring means, said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with oppositely disposed track surfaces associated with each of said sashes, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile adjacent said fixed runner having a latching device recessed therein, said latching device comprising a bracket having aligned apertures one of which is elongated in a substantially horizontal plane, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said plane in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and projecting laterally beyond the surface of the outer side of said stile and disposed for sliding movement along its companion track, the latter having vertically spaced shoulder portions adapted for releasable interengagement with said projecting portion for releasably latching said sash in adjusted positions corresponding to the spacing of said shoulder portions, one of said track surfaces having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for the movement of said sash in an upward direction in the latched condition thereof, a spring device carried by said bracket for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane whereby to resiliently bias said projecting portion into engagement with said one track surface, said latching member being retractable inwardly of said stile for retracting said projecting portion from its companion track for said removability of said sash from the frame, and means for releasably retaining said latching member in said positions thereof.

7. In a window construction having a window frame provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members,

a dual fixed runner extending vertically of the frame and secured to one of said jamb memberspendently movable companionrunners extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically disposed sash operatively associated with each companion pair of fixed and movable runners and disposed therebetween, said sash being mounted for vertical reciprocation, and spring means interposed between said other jamb member and each of said movable runners for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member, said sash being bodily removable on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated movable runner towards said other jamb member against the action of said spring means, said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with oppositely disposed track surfaces associated with each of said sashes, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile adjacent said fixed runner having a latching device recessed therein, said latching device comprising a bracket having aligned apertures one of which is elongated in a substantially horizontal plane, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said plane in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and projecting laterally beyond the surface of the outer side movement along its companion track, the latter having vertically spaced shoulder portions adapted for releasable interengagement with said projecting portion for releasably latching said sash in adjusted positions corresponding to the spacing of said shoulder portions, one of said track surfaces having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for, the move-' ment of said sash in an upward direction in thelatched condition thereof, a spring device carried by said bracket for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane whereby to resiliently bias said projecting portioninto engagement with said one track surface, said latching member being axially movable from said position in which said projecting portion is disposed for sliding movement along its companion track to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted from its companion track for said removability of said sash from the frame, manual means for axially moving said latching member to said positions thereof, and provisions on said latching member cooperatively associated with a companion portion of said spring device for releasably latching said latching member in said positions thereof.

8. In a window construction having a window frame provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a dual fixed runner extending vertically of the frame and secured to one of said jamb members, a pair of independently movable companion runners extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically disposed sash operatively associated with each companion pair offixed and movable runners and disposed therebetween, said sash being mounted for vertical reciprocation, and spring means interposed between said other jamb member and each of said movable runners for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member and thereby applying pressure to retain said sashes in their vertically adjusted position between said runners, said sash being bodily removable from the frame on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated movable runner towards said other jamb member against the action of said spring means, said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with oppositely disposed track surfaces associated with each of said sashes, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile adjacent said fixed recessed therein, said latching device comprising a bracket having aligned apertures one of which is elonapair of indeof said stile and disposed for sliding runner having a latching device garnets gated in a substantially horizontal plane, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said plane in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and projecting laterally beyond the surf-ace of the outer side of said stile and disposed for sliding movement along its companion track, said latching member being axially movable from said position in which said projecting portion is disposed for sliding movement along its companion track to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted from its companion track for said removability of said sash from the frame, manual means for axially moving said latching member to said positions thereof, provisions on said latching member adapted to provide for the releasable latching of said latching member in said positions thereof, and a spring device carried by said bracket cooperatively associated with said provisions for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane and for releasably latching said latching member in said positions thereof.

9. In a window construction having a window frame provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a dual fixed runner extending vertically of the frame and secured to one of said jamb members, a pair of independently movable companion runners extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a vertically disposed sash operatively associated with each companion pair of fixed and movable runners and disposed therebetween, said sash being mounted for vertical reciprocation, and spring means interposed be tween said other jamb member and each of said movabl runners for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member and thereby applying pressure to retain said sashes in their vertically adjusted position between said runners, said sash being bodily removable from the frame on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated movable runner towards said other jamb member against the action ofsaid spring means, said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with oppositely disposed track surfaces associated with each of said sashes, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile adjacent said fixed runner having a latching device recessed therein, said latching device comprising a bracket having aligned aperture one of which is elongated in a substantially horizontal plane, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said plane in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and projecting laterally beyond the surface of the outer side of said stile and disposed for sliding movement along its companion track, said latching member being axially movable from said position in which said projecting portion is disposed for sliding movement along its companion track to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted from its companion track for said removability of said sash from the frame, manual means for axially moving said latching member to said positions thereof, and a spring device carried by said bracket having a portion thereof adapted for releasable interengagement with said latching member for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane and for releasably latching said latching member in the projected position thereof.

10. In combination, a latching device and a runner for a window construction of the character described, said latching device comprising a bracket having aligned apertures one of which is elongated in one plane, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said plane in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and extending laterally beyond the surface of a companion wall of said bracket, and a spring device carried bysaid bracket cooperatively associated with said latching member for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane for concomitantly biasing said projecting portion in said plane, said runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with oppositely disposed laterally spaced track surfaces, said track having vertically spaced shoulder portions adapted for releasable interengagement with said projecting portion, and one of said tracksurfaces having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for the movement of said projecting portion in an upward direction along said track Without releasing said latching device, said projecting portion being adapted to be disposed for sliding movement along said track with said spring device resiliently biasing said projecting portion into engagement with said one track surface, and means fixed to said latching member and providing for the axial movement of the latter from said position in which said projecting portion extends laterally beyond said wall surface for sliding movement along said track to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted inwardly of said bracket for the retraction thereof from said track.

11. A latching device for a window construction of the character described, comprising a U-shaped bracket having laterally spaced walls and a connecting transverse wall, said laterally spaced walls having aligned apertures one of which is elongated in a direction towards said transverse wall, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said direction in said aligned apertures, said latching member having an end portion thereof extending through saidelongated aperture and extending laterally beyond the surface of a companion lateral wall of said bracket, said latching member being axially movable from said position in which said projecting portion extends laterally beyond said wall surface to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted inwardly of said bracket from said first mentioned position, a provision on said latching member adapted to provide for the releasable latching of said latching member in one of said positions thereof, and a spring device carried by said bracket cooperatively associated with said provision for resiliently biasing said latching member in said direction and for releasably latching said latching member in said position thereof, said spring device being U-shapedwith one leg thereof secured to said transverse wall and with the other leg having a latch part formed complementary to said provision for engagement therewith, and manual means for axially moving said latching member to said positions thereof and for pivotally bodily moving said latching member in said direction against the action of said spring device.

12. in a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jarnb members, a pair of runners mounted in relation to said jamb members, a sash positioned between said runners for vertical movement therealong, said sash comprising a vertically extending stile having a latching device secured thereto, said latching device comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in substantially horizontal plane, one of said runners adjacent said still having a track extending longitudinally thereof provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion'being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said track having cam edges extending upwardly from said shoulder portions to provide for the raising of said sash in the latched condition there of, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently biasing said latching member in said plane in 13 a shoulder portion engaging direction, her being manually depressible in the action of said spring device for portion from engagement with said so that said sash may be lowered.

13. In a window construction provided with a laterally spaced pair of jamb members, a runner extending vertically of the frame and disposed in fixed relation with one of said jamb members, a companion runner extending vertically of the frame and disposed adjacent the other jamb member and laterally movable relative to the latter, a sash positioned between said runners for vertical movement therealong, means interposed between said other jamb member and said movable runner for normally urging the latter away from said other jamb member, said fixed runner having a longitudinally extending track provided with vertically spaced shoulder portions, said sash having a stile adjacent said fixed runner provided with a latching device, the latter comprising a bracket and a latching member, means mounting said latching member in said bracket for pivotal bodily movement in a substantially horizontal plane and for axial movement, said latching member having an end portion projecting beyond said stile and disposed for sliding movement along said track, said end portion being releasably engageable with said shoulder portions for releasably latching said sash at adjusted levels corresponding to the levels of said shoulder portions, said latching device having a spring device for resiliently said latching memsaid plane against releasing said end shoulder portions biasing said latching member in said plane in a shoulder portion engaging direction, said sash being bodily removable on the movement thereof towards said other jamb member to concomitantly move its associated runner towards said other jamb member against the action of said interposed means, said latching member being 2108O0O axially movable for the retraction of said end portion inwardly of said stile for the bodily removal of said sash.

14. A window latching device, comprising a bracket having laterally spaced walls and a connecting transverse wall, one of said lateral walls defining a face plate which is adapted to be disposed at the outer side of a companion Window stile, said lateral Walls having aligned apertures with the aperture of said face plate being elongated in a direction towards said transverse wall, a latching member mounted for pivotal bodily movement in said aligned apertures in said direction, a spring device carried by said bracket in cooperative relation with said latching member for resiliently biasing the latter in said direction of elongation of said face plate aperture, said latching member in a projected position having an end portion thereof extending through said elongated aperture and laterally beyond said face plate, said latching member being axially movable from said projected position to a retracted position in which said projecting portion is retracted inwardly of said bracket from said projected position, said spring device releasably retaining said latching member in one of said positions thereof, and manual means for axially moving said latching member to said positions thereof and for pivotally bodily moving the same in said direction against the action of said spring device.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 160,525 Husted Mar. 9, 1875 332,180 Ayers Dec. 8, 1885 1,301,260 Heinemann Apr. 22, 1919 1,721,828 Mohun et a1. July 23, 1929 Holt et a1. Feb. 8, 1938 2,694,237 Rifkin Nov. 16, 1954 

